Window treatments are often the last element considered when decorating the house but they play an important part in the overall look of the home. They are often considered the finishing touch to any space and can influence the feel as well. The fabric choice, the style, and even function can bring several benefits to your home. Window treatments offer protection from the harmful UV rays from the sun, shading you and your furniture from fading as well as lowering your electric bill. Selecting a fabric that can blend with your particular design style or even create a beautiful statement in your home can make all the difference in any room. Window treatments also provide function since it can block the sun’s glare and give privacy for you and your family. These things make window treatments an essential part of your design elements but how do you know which is right for you? Let’s discuss how to choose window treatments that are right for your home.

Window size and shape

Size is one of the first things to consider when selecting window treatments as it determines what you will need. Are your windows:

• Floor to ceiling
• Bay windows
• Narrow and long
• Standard
• Double
• Corner 

Knowing your size guides you in understanding what type of window treatments are needed for your window. Floor to ceiling windows will need extra attention as they have specific requirements and functions. Often these types of windows are used to enjoy a gorgeous view and let in the sunlight, but this does need to be controlled especially at the hottest parts of the day and for privacy. Some of the best options include top down bottom up shades and light filtering shades. Narrow windows can make a room feel small and using large treatments will only make it seem smaller. Opt for window treatments that extend beyond the frame which will give the illusion that it is bigger. There are several ways to optimize a bay window. You can choose to select window treatments that are applied across the window which creates depth and even height or you can choose to frame them individually within the space but pick narrow choices or even simple blinds to avoid a cramped look. Take inventory of the number of windows along with the sizes before going shopping for new window treatments as this gives you and your designer a guide to get the right ones for your home.

The purpose of your window

Once you know what size and how many windows the next step is to determine the function. Think through what activities will be done in this particular room, what direction it faces, and what time you will most likely be there. This information all plays a part in selecting the right window treatments for your room. Will you be working from home in this room and have to battle glare from the sun or need to maximize light for video calls? Selecting motorized blinds or shades means you can control when and how much light will enter your space during the day. Do your windows face east or west? Morning light is often not as strong as the afternoon sun making it important to have a way to dim the harsher afternoon rays since they can fade furniture and make it difficult to sit and enjoy the room. Select fabrics that are treated against the UV rays or are a thicker weave so it can darken a room when needed. This is a useful feature for those who work night shifts and need to sleep during the day. Sunrooms also require special selections as well since they have high exposure to the sun and can quickly increase your electric bill if the right window treatments are not chosen. All of this is critical information when deciding on whether or not you need blinds, fabric, or both for a room. Feel free to gather inspiration from places like Pinterest and Houzz before making your final selections.

Choosing material for window treatments

The material for your window treatments is important as it will need to fulfill a purpose as well as blend with the look and feel of your room. Selecting the right material is determined by the function of the room and how much exposure to the sun it will have. If there is little to know sun coming through the window you don’t have to be as concerned about opting for a treated fabric. If the purpose of the window is to enjoy the view then you will want to choose something that is on the lighter side such as soft sheer panels or blinds that can be easily opened and closed. Some rooms like your bedroom need special consideration since this is one of the most personal spaces in the home necessitating privacy. Choose materials that are thicker so you don’t have to be afraid of turning a light on or just relaxing in bed with a book. For areas of the home with high sun exposure such as kitchens and sunrooms it is ideal to have materials that can withstand the UV rays without hindering the beauty and benefits of natural light. This is where a designer can be of great help as their experience can save you time and money by showing you the perfect options for your home.

Benefits of Graber blinds

Greenbrook Design is proud to be an authorized dealer for Graber Blinds, a company that is dedicated to details and to the safety of your family. They have a wide variety of styles and materials to suit every need and area in the home. You can select the shape of your window, privacy needs, fabric type, and even controls such as motorized shades though Graber making them a great choice for your home. Because Graber also believes that safety and style can go together they have several child safety features in place to guarantee that your little loved ones will remain safe. They also have energy efficient design options that protect against drafts, glare, and UV damage. Graber’s window treatment selections are for both indoor and outdoor needs including shades, blinds, and drapery making them your one stop shop for every need in your home. Learn more about them here and to see their full selection visit here. You can also see some of their samples in our showroom.

The perfect window treatments

Every area of your home matters including the window treatments so instead of making them an afterthought, try making them part of the initial planning of the design. There are so many options available now that you will be able to find exactly what you need for any area. For some additional tips in choosing the right window treatment for you read an article from Apartment Therapy. You can also visit our showroom where we have Graber displays available for you to touch and experience. Selecting the right window treatments for your home shouldn’t be an overwhelming or dreaded process, let us help you discover the best options for you and your specific needs so you can truly enjoy your home.